Kumar-2011-Research-Methodology_-A-Step-by-Step-Guide-for-Beginners

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Glossary
Double-blind studies: The concept of a double-blind study is very similar to that of a blind
study except that it also tries to eliminate researcher bias by not disclosing to the researcher
the identities of experimental, comparative and placebo groups. In a double-blind study neither
the researcher nor the study participants know which study participants are receiving
real, placebo or other forms of interventions. This prevents the possibility of introducing bias
by the researcher.
Double-control studies: Although the control group design helps you to quantify the
impact that can be attributed to extraneous variables, it does not separate out other effects that
may be due to the research instrument (such as the reactive effect) or respondents (such as the
maturation or regression effects, or placebo effect). When you need to identify and separate
out these effects, a double-control design is required. In a double-control study, you have two
control groups instead of one. To quantify, say, the reactive effect of an instrument, you exclude
one of the control groups from the ‘before’ observation.
Editing consists of scrutinising the completed research instruments to identify and minimise,
as far as possible, errors, incompleteness, misclassification and gaps in the information obtained
from respondents.
Elevation effect: Some observers when using a scale to record an observation may prefer to
use certain section(s) of the scale in the same way that some teachers are strict markers and
others are not. When observers have a tendency to use a particular part(s) of a scale in recording
an interaction, this phenomenon is known as the elevation effect.
Error of central tendency: When using scales in assessments or observations, unless an
observer is extremely confident of his/her ability to assess an interaction, s/he may tend to
avoid the extreme positions on the scale, using mostly the central part. The error this tendency
creates is called the error of central tendency.
Ethical practice: Professional practice undertaken in accordance with the principles of
accepted codes of conduct for a given profession or group.
Evaluation is a process that is guided by research principles for reviewing an intervention
or programme in order to make informed decisions about its desirability and/or identifying
changes to enhance its efficiency and effectiveness.
Evaluation for planning addresses the issue of establishing the need for a programme or
intervention.
Evidence-based practice: A service delivery system that is based upon research evidence as
to its effectiveness; a service provider’s clinical judgement as to its suitability and appropriateness
for a client; and a client’s preference as to its acceptance.